Marriage Tips

We spent our 19th wedding anniversary very much like we do every other day. Since that day and for almost two weeks, I have been contemplating the idea of a list. A list of 19 characteristics essential to a flourishing marriage. Without further ado, here are those nearly twenty. Because 19 is actually enough.

It sounds like I'm just moaning about petty things that drive me crazy, and yes, I know these issues might relate only to me. But if these, or issues like these, are the main points of contention in a relationship, then in the end, I think we're all going to be okay. But when in doubt, just remember, you do want to get some sleep tonight.

Ever wonder how they do it? I mean the older couples you see in the park, at the store, holding hands in the mall? What makes it last? How do they get there, how do they survive each other? Soon, my marriage turns 21.

Love can sometimes break a heart but marriage seems to do it a lot of good. A study of more than 3.5 million Americans finds that married people are less likely than singles, divorced or widowed folks...

With our couple, Robyn feels insecure about their connectedness. She wants to feel close. So when he comes home late, she turns that into, "I'm not important. He doesn't care." She feels hurt or abandoned, and that's why she gets upset. On the other hand, Blair needs validation. His sense of identity and confidence are important.

Just as men can use a little help when it comes to making their wives feel loved and appreciated — see our 20 Things A Guy Should Always Say To Their Wife as a reference — women can also use a reminde...

Last weekend a group of ladies went to Prince Edward County to celebrate one of our dear friend's upcoming wedding. On Sunday morning we schlepped into Picton to caffeinate and were greeted outside the small town café by an impeccably dressed 91-year-old lady with mischievous eyes and one helluva smile. The real climax came in the form of marriage advice to the soon-to-be bride...

I often have people confiding in me about their relationship issues (like I'm the resident expert?), and I have only one statement of advice that I share with everyone: Marriage is hard work! There you have it, folks -- no 12-step program to wedded bliss and no sound-bite, Dr. Phil-worthy, pithy pointers. Just the facts. The cold, hard facts.

In her book, For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage, Tara Parker Pope explores the scientific evidence that explains why some couples succeed and others fail. Here, she discusses why conflict is h...